We are excited to announce the start of a new monthly tradition at The Motley Experience. At the beginning of each month, we will be sharing a staff-favorite book that meets our objective of sharing thoughtful stories to help our audience experience their world in a smarter, healthier, and happier way.

Our first book of the month is:

Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love

What is it?

“Navigating the challenges of long-term commitment takes effort—and it just got simpler, with this empowering, step-by-step guide to communicating about the things that matter most to you and your partner. Drawing on forty years of research from their world-famous Love Lab, Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman invite couples on eight fun, easy, and profoundly rewarding dates, each one focused on a make-or-break issue: trust, conflict, sex, money, family, adventure, spirituality, and dreams.

Interactive activities and prompts provide motivation to stay open, stay curious, and, most of all, stay talking to each other. And the range—from the four skills you need for intimate conversation (including Put Into Words What You Are Feeling) to tips on being honest about your needs, while also validating your partner’s own emotions—will resonate, whether you’re newly together or a longtime couple looking to fortify your bond. You will discover (or rediscover) your partner like never before—and be able to realize your hopes and dreams for the love you desire and deserve.”

Amazon.com description

What Are Our Thoughts?

“This book is an excellent guide on how to better communicate with your significant other. I came across it a bit too late unfortunately but I know the lessons here will prove to be invaluable as I move forward. I am genuinely looking forward to applying what I learned in this book in the future.

Whether you are in a new relationship, an old one, or even single, the tips outlined will give you a whole new perspective on how to communicate with your significant other. I’d consider this a must read.”

GoodReads review from Founder and Editor of The Motley Experience, Aristidis Marousas

Why Should You Read It?

We are taught many things growing up in school and from home. However, most of us are not taught how to have a healthy relationship. We are bombarded by society’s ideals for what a relationship between two adults is supposed to look like, but are not provided with the tools necessary to attain it.

What we eventually realize is that a conflict-less relationship belongs in Hollywood, not real life. Real relationships require a determination to uphold the promise of commitment made to each other. It requires both individuals to take time to prioritize each other and the relationship as a whole.

Approach your differences with curiosity rather than correctness. Have a genuine desire to understand the stories that are underneath the issues.

Eight Dates

What “Eight Dates” discusses in very simple and easy-to-follow terms and exercises, is how two people can actively commit to understanding and accepting their significant other.

Amazing things happen in relationships when a couple can grow and change and accommodate the growth of the other person.

Eight Dates

“Eight Dates” has made our Book of the Month list because we believe it has the ability to be a wonderful crash course and guide to resetting and refreshing a relationship. It doesn’t pretend to be easy, but it does equip readers with the questions and exercises necessary for real and positive engagement.

Happy reading!

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